Skip links

Main navigation

Harry Dalian’s Story

Harry Dalian is a handicapped Vietnam veteran originally from Bulgaria. An only and adopted child at the time, Harry fled Bulgaria in the mid to late 60’s when it was, at the time, officially a communist country. He escaped, with his family, to start a new life in the greatest country on Earth.

Harry Dalian’s Arrival to America

When Harry and his family entered the US, both he and his family didn’t know a word of English. They came to the united states with only $50 – all they were allowed to bring. The Dalian family had to surrender the rest of their hard earned money and savings to those who were in power at the time.

Friends Along the Way

Along the road, Harry Dalian and his family met a group of people, most of whom were Armenian in heritage who were in the same situation as them; living on a very tight budget. The trip was a grueling two-year journey. He and his family moved via boat, plane, and were stuck in Lebanon for over a year with nothing to do but wait for their turn to take the final trip into the United States. Despite the journey’s frequent nerve racking moments, the friendships Harry and his family made on the journey got them through it.

Harry Dalian: United States Army, the Vietnam War

Once Harry, his family, and new friends arrived in the US, they realized they had no money, no place to stay, nor any job opportunities. The Armenian Church rented a room to his family and friends that was a 9×11 studio which they shared with three other families and paid for by doing odd jobs for the church.

At the onset of the Vietnam War, Harry felt he had to give back to his new home and his new country. Soon he volunteered for the Army.

Harry Dalian did many things in the service during the war and when it was over he re-upped and was transferred to Germany and was posted directly next to the demilitarized zone leading to East Germany. He soon received a field commission and was made an Officer after running security for top ranking officials.

Settling into the States

After his final tour of duty, Harry returned to the states where he eventually got married and had a baby boy. Harry worked two jobs, day and night. The first he worked as a gas station attendant, as an auto mechanic, then he began selling insurance.

After struggling for many years, he and his wife started a construction company which he still owns today, 35 years later.

A Podcast by Harry Dalian

If you are interested in wine, home construction and home improvement, or film, visit Harry Dalian’s SoundCloud page. Recently, Harry has begun keeping a podcast on all the above topics and will update it recurrently month to month and more. To view more video presentations, visit Harry Dalian’s Vimeo profile, and look for his uploads.